Sweet makers seek cheap,fast detection of adulterants in milk

President of Punjab Halwai Association Narinder Pal Singh lamented that they had no system for detection of adulterants and quality of milk. Saying that they want to collaborate with CIPHET for establishing lab for food safety,he said that they need fast,cheap and convenient methods for detection of adulterants in milk. Terming safe storage of sweets as a major problem,he said that they need some technology to increase shelf life of khoya.

Dr Y S Rajput,head of Biochemistry division,NDRI,spoke on kits developed by NDRI for detection of bacterial contaminants,detergent and other adulterants in milk.

Some 30 scientists of different faculties from the NDRI interacted to create awareness amongst the sweet-makers about various kits which could be used for detection of adulterants in milk and technologies/products developed by the premier institute in dairy research. Scientists from NDRI gave presentations on rapid tests for detection of bacterial contaminants and adulterations,better shelf life,protein enrich iron fortified bajra biscuit,dietetic dahi ,whey-based beverage,arjuna herbal ghee,reconstitute rasmalai and basundi mix,carbonated sweetened beverage and functional milk drink.

“This is the first time that such a large number of NDRI scientists have come to train sweet makers outside their institute and it is a historical moment for us,” said Director NDRI,Dr A K Srivastava.

Saying that India produces 121 million tons of milk every year,he said that,“ we consume 70 percent directly as milk and rest was used for various products. Sweet-makers need to follow food safety norms and develop small ready-to-eat packages to cater to requirement of present time. NDRI has developed number of low calorie products,which could generate high demand from health conscious consumers.”

Director CIPHET Dr U S Shivhare said that sweet makers should focus on maintaining quality and adopt latest technologies developed by ICAR.

Head transfer of Technology Division Dr D R Rai informed that two years back they had organised a meeting of scientists with Halwai association on food safety. “This meeting is a follow up to provide better technical input from NDRI,” he added.

Dr G R Patil,Joint Director of Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI),informed that after World Trade Organisation agreement food safety norms need to be followed at all levels.